Looking for the best toxin-free candles? Made with better-for-you ingredients including wax, wick, and fragrance, this best non-toxic candle will ensure your home smells great while taking care of your health.
I know it’s easy to feel everything is taking a toll on our health, but when it’s a simple solution like changing candles or cleaning products, I want to be here to educate you and empower you to make the decision for yourself!
Before introducing the best non-toxic candles, I would like to share the reasons why candles are “toxic” and what to pay attention to when buying candles.
too long; For the safest and healthiest candles to burn, look for soy, coconut or beeswax candles with unbleached cotton, hemp or wood wicks and scented with pure essential oils.
Are some candles really poisonous?
Traditional scented candles can actually be considered a household nuisance. They release harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds that can affect everything from breathing to hormones. What are you looking for? I narrowed it down to just three things:
artificial flavors – Artificial odors produced by chemicals have been linked to a variety of health problems ( source ). Additionally, synthetic fragrances may contain phthalates, chemicals that have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues. Ditch the artificial fragrances and look for natural scents from essential oils or phthalate-free candles. I promise they will smell better and won’t give you a headache from the scent!
paraffin – If you walk down the candle aisle at Target or the candle store at your local mall, chances are they are made from paraffin, a petrochemical byproduct. This means it comes from petroleum refining. When burned, toxic chemicals are released, including toluene and benzene. These are often linked to carcinogenic compounds ( source ).
metal wick – Another tidbit that might surprise you. Some wicks have a thin wire inside them. When it burns, they release heavy metals that can disrupt your hormonal, reproductive, and nervous systems ( source ). Look for 100% cotton wicks, hemp wicks or wood wicks.
What to look for in a non-toxic candle
So what should you look for in a candle brand? You might have guessed it from the “avoid” list, but be sure to check for these ingredients when buying a new candle!
- wax – Obviously you want to avoid paraffin wax, but what wax should you be looking for? Soy wax, coconut wax and beeswax Candles are a good choice. Always make sure the label says the candle is 100% soy or beeswax (companies like to blend it with paraffin because it’s cheaper), and I like to buy candles that are sustainably sourced and cruelty-free if possible! Note: Technically, beeswax candles are not vegan, but soy wax and coconut wax candles are. Remember *soy wax blends* etc. are often mixed with paraffin wax!
- wick – As you know, you need to avoid using wicks with metal in them. Look for 100% unbleached cotton wicks, hemp wicks or wooden wicks so you can enjoy a clean burning candle
- natural fragrance – Synthetic fragrances are a wide umbrella. I love looking for candles scented with pure essential oils (like vanilla, lavender, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, sandalwood, etc.) that are sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly.
Typically, non-toxic candle manufacturers tend to produce in small batches by hand pouring or in smaller manufacturing studios.
The best non-toxic candle companies
Brooklyn Candle Company
Brooklyn Candle Studio creates botanical fragrances inspired by the beauty of nature and the wonders of travel. Their in-house artisans create candles, diffusers, and room sprays in their Brooklyn studio using soy wax and essential oil-infused phthalate-free fragrance oils.
Comfort Candle Company
This local Minnesota company has amazing brands and products! I’m eyeing Minnesota Carols, but you can’t go wrong with their original scents either!
PF Candle Company
I love the scent of PF Candle Co (and the cute amber jar!). Their candles are made with soy wax, cotton wicks, and fragrance, and are paraben and phthalate free.
Lite + Loop
These candles are new to me but I’m impressed! They’re made with soy wax, cotton wicks, and 100% pure essential oil fragrance.
healthy candle
Not only do these Follain candles smell incredible (No. 1 is my favorite!), but they also don’t contain any toxic ingredients and the containers themselves are gorgeous. Definitely a candle you’ll want to display!
one
UMA candles are created based on Ayurvedic principles and focus on restoring balance to your home. Love this concept! Their candles (like the essential oils) are 100% organic and free of synthetic fragrances, emulsifiers, preservatives, parabens, GMOs, and mineral oils.
Buy
Keap started out just to “make better candles.” Their candles are made from coconut wax and are designed to be zero waste – burn the candle to its fullest and reuse the jar in creative ways! Buy one through their Candle,Light up Homes” plan, Buy Help provide clean, sustainable lighting to people without access to the grid.
Queer Candle Company
This amazing company is run by a queer couple and donates 10% of their monthly revenue to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. The candles have a representation of the scent at the top…they are so gorgeous!
Nate Candle
These non-toxic, sustainable candles are so luxurious! They’re made from 100% cotton wick, coconut soy wax, and the glass container is perfect for repurposing later.
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